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Do Your Part: Top 5 ways to green your Halloween costume

By TERRI bennettMcClatchy-Tribune

Oct 10 2012 6:58 am Nov 15 1:48 pm

Make your child’s Halloween costume a bit more eeek-o-friendly this year. There are plenty of ways to come up with a creative get-up without buying a brand new costume. Plus, there are a few popular Halloween accessories that you may just want to consider avoiding this season. Here are my ‘Top 5 Ways to Green Your Halloween Costume.”

1. Take part in a costume swap

Costume swaps are taking place all over the country this year. You can host your own swap party with family and friends or visit GreenHalloween.org to find out how you can participate in National Costume Swap Day. You’ll not only give once-used costumes a longer life, but you’ll also be saving a whole lot of money by not buying a new one.

2. Go to Goodwill

Goodwill is a Halloween enthusiast’s playground. Whether you’re looking for an outrageous outfit, costume jewelry or fancy dress shoes to complete your Halloween vision, you’re sure to find it here and all for a steal!

3. Seek out non-toxic makeup

Ban toxic Halloween makeup from your costume. Color additives used in makeup are to be approved by the FDA, so look for that on the label. You can see the entire list of approved color additives at DoYourPart.com/Columns. You will also find a link to The Environmental Working Group’s website where you can find a variety of safe, homemade make-up recipes. And one last note, at the end of the night make sure to wash your face several times to remove all that ghoulish makeup.

4. Watch the teeth!

We’ve all heard plenty about the potential dangers of certain kinds of flexible plastic that can contain hormone-disrupting phthalates. Some of the plastic considered dangerous is actually used to make Halloween masks and those fake teeth you see so many people putting in their mouths. Best to avoid these when planning costumes for children.

5. Don’t buy another plastic pumpkin

We see them on the arm of so many cute kids – that plastic pumpkin to collect trick or treat goodies. Instead of buying yet another plastic pumpkin, have your child bring along something reusable instead. It could be a pillowcase or a reusable shopping bag. They can even make a “custom” bag out of one of their favorite T-shirts. It’s quick and easy and available at DoYourPart.com/Columns.

No matter what the kids, young or old, decide to be this year, you can still Do Your Part to go green when creating the perfect costume. Happy Halloween!

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